OXFORD’S Olympic gold medallist Andrew Triggs Hodge is urging others to complete a mile on – or near – water for charity.

East Oxford resident Mr Triggs Hodge – who won a gold medal as part of the coxless four team last month – is supporting the World Wildlife Fund’s Ecover Blue Mile and is fundraising at the wildlife charity’s flagship event in Plymouth today.

He will be competing against Tim Baillie and Etienne Stott, Canoe Slalom c2 gold medallists, in the Ecover Blue Mile kayak race.

Mr Triggs Hodge, pictured, who has completed a Masters in Water Science, Policy and Management at Oxford University , said: “I have been a huge supporter of the WWF all my life.

“I grew up near water, I studied water, my life is on water.

“I want to try to help the WWF in their cause towards clean water projects around the world.

“This is my little bit.”

He added: “WWF does fantastic work safeguarding habitats and protecting the species that depend on them. Through this event we can not only begin to appreciate the watery world around us, but also support WWF’s vital work through fundraising.”

Fundraisers can get involved or organise their own mile by visiting thebluemile.org 

To sponsor Mr Triggs Hodge visit justgiving.com/Andrew-Triggs-Hodge To keep up to date with Ecover Blue Mile news follow @thebluemile on Twitter or visit facebook.com/thebluemile